If you’re looking for a comforting and nourishing dish to warm your soul and delight your taste buds, Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a perfect choice. This soup blends tender chicken, hearty wild rice, and an array of vegetables, creating a meal that is both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you’re feeling under the weather, this soup is your go-to remedy, serving as an embrace in a bowl.
Why We Love This Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is not merely a meal; it’s an experience that brings comfort and warmth. You’ll appreciate the array of textures and flavors, from the creamy broth to the nutty wild rice and nature’s bounty of vegetables. It’s easy to prepare and customizable, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Plus, this recipe is a fantastic way to incorporate nutritious ingredients into your diet while keeping the cooking process enjoyable. It’s a dish that draws family and friends together, allowing you to share stories and laughter while enjoying a hearty meal.
Ingredients about Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
To create this wholesome delight, gather the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup wild rice blend
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
How to Make Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe Directions
Begin making your Chicken and Wild Rice Soup by warming a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Melt the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, allowing it to bubble gently without browning. Once melted, introduce the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 to 7 minutes until they become softened and golden, releasing their natural flavors.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing the fragrant aroma to fill your kitchen. Next, sprinkle in the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes, cooking out the raw flour taste, which thickens the soup and enriches the flavor.
If you are using raw chicken, this is the time to add the cubed chicken along with the wild rice blend, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to ensure proper distribution of flavors. Pour the 6 cups of chicken broth into the mixture, stirring gently. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, covering the pot with a lid. Allow the soup to simmer for 30 to 35 minutes. During this time, the wild rice will become tender and the chicken will cook through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
If you opted for rotisserie chicken, wait until the rice has cooked. Add the shredded chicken to the pot and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through. Finally, pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Heat the soup for another 3 to 5 minutes; be careful not to boil it at this point. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed, ensuring each bowl is perfectly seasoned. Allow the soup to rest for 5 minutes before serving. For a pop of color and freshness, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
How to Serve Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Serving Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is half the delight. Whether you serve your soup in a bowl or enjoy it in a bread bowl, it’s sure to be a hit. Ladle the warm soup into bowls, making sure each serving contains a generous portion of chicken, rice, and vegetables. For an added touch, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the soup for color and freshness.
Pair your soup with a side of crusty bread, which is perfect for dipping, or a light salad for a complete meal. Should you be serving guests, consider preparing a platter with a variety of toppings, such as extra herbs or grated cheese, allowing everyone to customize their bowl. Enjoy this hearty soup alongside family and friends, and let the flavors bring you all closer, creating a delightful experience around the table.
Expert Tips: Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
To ensure your Chicken and Wild Rice Soup turns out perfectly, consider these expert tips. First, using a wild rice blend enhances the flavor and texture of the soup. It offers a variety of grains, which adds depth to each spoonful. If you prefer, you could cook the wild rice separately and add it to the soup later to control its texture.
Ensure your chicken is fully cooked by checking its temperature; this guarantees a safe and delicious outcome. If you’re short on time, using rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut that still results in a satisfying dish.
Don’t forget to taste your soup as you cook. Adjust the seasoning based on your palate and dietary preferences. If you enjoy a creamy texture, feel free to add more heavy cream for richness.
Lastly, if you know you’ll have leftovers or plan to make this soup ahead of time, undercook the wild rice slightly. The residual cooking will continue even after you turn off the heat, keeping the texture ideal.
How to Store Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
Storing your Chicken and Wild Rice Soup properly is key to maintaining its freshness and flavor. Once the soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it into airtight containers. This can be done in individual portions for easy reheating or in one large container, depending on your preference.
Your soup can be safely stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you prefer longer storage, consider placing the soup in the freezer. In this case, store it in freezer-safe containers and leave some space at the top to accommodate expansion as liquids freeze. The soup can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until heated thoroughly.
Variation of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup Recipe
While the classic Chicken and Wild Rice Soup recipe is sure to delight, there are plenty of variations to explore based on seasonal ingredients or personal preferences. For a more vibrant soup, try adding fresh greens such as spinach or kale right before serving, allowing them to wilt gently in the heat.
Incorporate seasonal vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to enhance the nutritional value and flavor profile. If you want a splash of color, add some diced bell peppers or sweet corn.
For those who prefer a spicier kick, a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile beautifully. You could also experiment with different herbs, substituting dried thyme and rosemary with fresh alternatives for a brighter flavor.
Lastly, consider using different types of meat. Turkey, for instance, can be an excellent substitute for chicken, providing a delightful twist to this comforting bowl of goodness.
FAQ
What is Chicken and Wild Rice Soup?
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a creamy, hearty soup made with chicken, wild rice, vegetables, and broth. It’s known for its comforting flavors and nutritious ingredients.
How long does Chicken and Wild Rice Soup last in the refrigerator?
When stored properly in an airtight container, Chicken and Wild Rice Soup can last in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze Chicken and Wild Rice Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken and Wild Rice Soup. Place it in freezer-safe containers, and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
How can I make Chicken and Wild Rice Soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening.
What can I serve with Chicken and Wild Rice Soup?
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread, crackers, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients
For the soup base
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the soup thickener and main ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- 1 cup wild rice blend
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast Can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
Preparation
- Warm a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Melt the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter until it bubbles gently, but do not let it brown.
- Add the diced onion, celery, and carrots to the pot and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until softened and golden.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes.
Cooking
- If using raw chicken, add cubed chicken along with the wild rice, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Stir to combine and pour in the chicken broth.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to low heat and cover the pot with a lid.
- Allow the soup to simmer for 30 to 35 minutes.
- If using rotisserie chicken, wait until the rice has cooked, then add shredded chicken and simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and heat for another 3 to 5 minutes without boiling.
Serving
- Allow the soup to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Ladle warm soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!